The Subaru Ascent has taken a lot of heat recently for being unreliable. Consumer Reports had the Ascent 3-Row family hauler on its ten least reliable models list recently. But now, Ascent has improved significantly. The 2023 Ascent is now on Consumer Reports' newly recommended models list with improved reliability.
What changed for the Subaru Ascent?
For the 2023 model year, the Ascent 3-Row SUV received a remodel with significant upgrades. Consumer Reports now says, "It seems that Subaru has worked out most of the Ascent's kinks, so it improved to average predicted reliability. There were still reports of transmission issues, but fewer than in the past."
How do other Subaru models score in reliability?
The updated CR report says the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek subcompact SUV scores highest with a score of 80 and has "above-average" reliability. The 2023 Forester compact SUV is next, scoring 75 points. The Impreza (56), Outback (51), and Legacy (50) also have above-average reliability. The Ascent (44) improves the most and is up considerably from last year's score of 18 points.
What's new for the 2023 Ascent?
Is the 2023 Ascent a good value for SUV shoppers? The remodeled Subaru Ascent comes with added safety and all-weather all-terrain upgrades for active families. Ascent gets advancements in exterior styling, new safety tech, and more upgrades inside. The Onyx Edition also gets further improvements. Check out the full details on the 2023 model change here.
Also Read: Don't Buy The Old Subaru Ascent - 5 Reasons To Wait For New Models This Winter
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Ascent?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent base starts at $35,120, and Premium trims begin at $39,180. The Ascent Onyx Edition starts at $42,520, the upper Limited starts at $42,820, the new Ascent Onyx Edition Limited is priced at $47,520, and the top-trim Touring has a starting MSRP of $49,420. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,225).
What sets the Ascent apart from other 3-Row SUVs?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent is designed for families with active lifestyles. The family hauler comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode and dual-function X-Mode for improved off-pavement, mud, sand, snow, and dirt road capability. Ascent also gets the highest Top Safety Pick+ crash scores from the IIHS.
Among midsize SUVs in the new side crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ascent was one of the models earning the highest "Good" rating.
Which Ascent trim offers the best value?
Many 3-Row SUV shoppers will land on the Ascent Premium, which offers the best value under $40,000. The Premium trim offers new features, upgrades, and all-weather performance for most families.
When will the new Ascent be available for U.S. customers?
The 2023 Subaru Ascent is available now for SUV shoppers to order. The new online configurator allows customers to build the Ascent with the features, upgrades, and trim levels and see pricing before they visit a Subaru retailer.
The 2023 Subaru Ascent is now on the Consumer Reports' newly recommended models list with improved reliability. It's the most improved model in Subaru of America's all-wheel-drive lineup.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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